BMW BLOG

Even though many of the auto journalists and car fans are already starting to compare the BMW X1 to Audi’s upcoming Q3, we are going to take a different approach and actually compare it against the Q5.

The reason for that is that X1 jumped into the BMW line-up as an entry level SAV, a replacement for the current X3 which will relaunch next year with a new design and larger size.

By taking the  proportions of the first generation X5, the X3 has left an empty spot that BMW has quickly filled it with the new compact SAV X1. As you will see in our short comparison, the exterior dimensions of the two cars are close to each other and since we don’t have the specifications of the future Q3 model, this will have to do for now.

Exterior Dimensions

The BMW X1 measures 175.35 inches (4,453 mm) in length, while the Audi Q3 measures 182 inches(4,622 mm). The width different is even less, 74 inches(1,879 mm) for the Q3 and 70.78 inches(1,798 mm) for the X1. In height, the Audi Q3 measures 65.1  inches(1,653 mm), while the X1 stops the measuring tape at 60.82 inches(1,545 mm).

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BMW launched yesterday their X1 minisite and we poked around to see what’s new. The BMW Joy campaign is pretty much present on all their marketing materials, but that wasn’t something we were interested today.

What we wanted to find out for you were the exterior colors available for the X1. So far, we knew that Marrakech Brown is an exclusive color for the X1, then we saw the now classic and beautiful Alpine White, but all the others were still an unknown for us.

Courtesy of one of our reader, Ignace, we are able to show you the entire palette, with some shades more exciting than others.

So without any further ado, let’s enumerate them: Black non-metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, Titanium Silver metallic, Deep Sea Blue metallic, Vermilion Red metallic, Space Grey metallic, Cashmere Silver metallic, Graphite Blue metallic , Tasman metallic and Sparkling Bronze metallic.

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Description in Brief.
• With its agile, versatile and modern character, the BMW X1 guarantees a new driving experience in the premium compact segment. It expands and enhances the range of BMW X models by yet another innovative vehicle concept.

• Through its body design the BMW X1 demonstrates self-confident elegance, a versatile and sporting character, as well as spontaneous agility. For the first time the features and characteristics of a BMW X model are carried over in modern style into a unique vehicle in the premium compact segment.

• The interior of the BMW X1 is characterised by clear function and trendsetting, modern style. The driver orientation so typical of BMW is additionally accentuated by the forward pushing lines within the cockpit area. Sophisticated materials and natural colours accentuate the youthful and dynamic flair of the vehicle.

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One of the main concerns we had regarding the new BMW X1 was the pricing. For the new entry-level compact SAV to be successful, it was imperative that the pricing will be set accordingly to the current market conditions and most important, relevant to the other models in the BMW line-up.

BMW chose the gasoline powered X1 sDrive18i as its entry level model and set a base price of 27,200 euros. In Germany, the base price for the bigger X3 model, xDrive20i, is 35,300 euros. Going even further, the X1 xDrive18d will sell for 31,550 euros, while the X3 xDrive18d 35,550 euros.

The most expensive X1 is the all-wheel drive gasoline xDrive28i which has a base price of 41,500 euros. The top X3 model is the xDrive35d at 53,000 euros.

Bottom line is that there are no surprises here, BMW has played this safe and priced the X1 accordingly, setting it apart from the X3 line-up. When the second generation X3 will launch next year, we expect this pricing gap to become even bigger, making the X1 an even more attractive choice.

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Continuing the BMW X1 coverage and as usual, we are here for you and spend countless of hours online trying to bring you the latest BMW content. We just managed to finish uploading footage of the new BMW X1 on our Youtube channel.

The high quality videos showcase the interior and exterior design of the BMW X1, along with first drive footage and the engine bay. Since some of you asked us already about the brown exterior color, the official name is Marrakesh Brown and for now, it will only be available on the X1.

After seeing the interior video of the X1, we are again convinced that BMW has stepped up its game and their latest interior designs are up to the standards of even the most demanding customer. The X1 interior is clearly a huge step forward from the current X3 and we can even adventure to say that it is indeed more elegant than the X5.

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The next few days will all be about the BMW X1, so get ready for photos, more photos and again some photos. As expected and seen before in other releases, BMW has made available a variety of photos of the new X1, including the ones we have seen yesterday, but also new unseen shots.

Most of these photos entirely reflect the “Joy” marketing campaign that revolves around the BMW X1 and the targeted demographic is portrayed in many of them. As we said lots of times before, BMW X1 will fit into this product line as a more compact SAV aimed at a younger demographic . Professionals who dwell in projects that identify urbanism.

The BMW X1 offers a new perspective as a compact premium Sport Activity Vehicle. Not only as the first of a kind in it’s segment for the market, but vilifies the entire 1er model line as the more youth orientated BMW line.

So with these new photos, BMW is sending a clear message: this is will indeed be a joyful vehicle and there are high expectations from it.

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Beside the new official photos released today, BMW decided to delight us with some unique marketing photos of the new X1 which was unveiled earlier today. Continuing their Facebook marketing campaign, most of these photos were hosted on the BMW X1 fan page.

With the risk of being called again fanboys, we have to say that the X1 keeps growing on us. In some of these photos the X1 looks absolutely gorgeous and for once, we understand the market that BMW is aiming for.

Pricing this car below the $30,000 mark and we could see a lot of the young professionals or recent college graduates being interested in such car and why not, even those of us a little bit older could see this car as an alternative to our current ride.

In our opinion a small but powerful engine in the U.S. version of the X1 will be a winner and at 35MPG or more, many of us living in the U.S. will embrace this car. But as BMW announced, we’re still at least a year away from the X1 launch in the United States, so in the mean time, let’s enjoy these photos and envy our European friends.

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A surprise from BMW North America today: they have officially acknowledged that the BMW X1 will make its way into the American market in 2011. The initial reports were very skeptical regarding the possibility of bringing the new entry level compact SAV to the U.S., but shortly after the Paris Motor Show unveiling, more and more unofficial voices were reporting that the X1 will eventually make its way here.

The marketing for the U.S. market will start in 2010 and will debut a year later. No other details are being revealed at this time, but it seems that both the rear-wheel drive and xDrive models will be available for the American customers. While we expect the gasoline engine to be one of the options for us, we also suspect that one of the diesel offerings will come as well. In our opinion, the xDrive23d with the powerful but still fuel efficient diesel engine, will be a perfect fit for us.

As we progress in the year, expect more news or rumors to come up, but in the mean time, this is exciting news for some of us. Of course, with the launch of the new X3 next year, the BMW SAV line-up might get a bit crowded, but with a reasonable base price set, the X1 could indeed become a viable option for many BMW customers.

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Straight from the press release, we have more details on the new BMW X1. Many of you have patiently waited to find out more about the engine offerings in the X1 family and we were able to give you a preview of that just a few days ago.

But now, courtesy of BMW, we have all the information you have ever asked.

BMW X1 xDrive28i:
Straight-six gasoline engine with composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS
Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm
Max torque: 310 Nm/228lb-ft from 2,600 – 3,000 rpm
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.8 sec
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
(230 km/h or 143 mph with optional high-speed set-up)
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 9.4 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 30.0 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 219 g/km
Emission standard: EU5.

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Edmunds InsideLine just posted an interesting piece of news around the recently revealed BMW X1: BMW is heavily using the social media sites to promote the X1 and to reach out to the targeted younger crowd.

After the X1 concept unveiling at the Paris Motor Show last fall, BMW launched a Facebook page dedicated to the X1 which soon has become an important medium of reporting new information. Within a few months, the Facebook X1 page is reporting over 1,700 members.

With the fast rising of Twitter, BMW opened an X1 Twitter account as well, which as of today has over 500 followers waiting daily for more X1 photos and information. And of course, Youtube could not have been left off out of the social media circle and all the official videos were released through the BMWWebTV account.

This brings us back to an article we wrote back in May where we talked about BMW X1 urban vehicle being geared towards a younger demographic who enjoy outdoor activities and would still like to use a spacious car to transport their surfboards, skis, snowboards or climbing equipment.  Most of the people fitting this profile spend a lot of their time online and connected, so reaching out to them by using Twitter, Facebook or Youtube, is just brilliant and…..it can be very cost effective.

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